I’ve been wanting to learn to weave and ran across this lovely old antique table top loom in the local antique store that just needed some TLC and one tiny replacement part and best of all … was within my price range for trying a new fiber art! Even cooler it was listed as being circa 1800’s which goes along with my pioneer dress historical demonstrations I like to do 🙂 It looks to be hand made possibly? I can imagine this baby made lots of lovely things for someone’s home once upon a time!
So I asked the local weaving guild for some advice and they put me in contact with a lady who does lessons. She advised me to clean it up and order the missing part (reed) and then we can start some basic lessons. Yay! So excited.
I then asked a local woodworker craftsman friend of mine what would be the best product to use to clean and restore the wood? I wanted to try and keep it period correct so asked for some sort of oil type cleaner and restorer that they would have used back in the 1800’s and he promptly told me about Howard’s feed and wax. Howard’s feed and wax
I went to the local hardware store and bought a bottle and was extremely happy with the ingredients list of beeswax, carnuba oil, and orange oil. I followed the directions on the bottle which is basically put it on, wait 20 minutes, and wipe off any excess. Super easy and something even I can do! I liked the results so much I may have to use it on some of my other wooden antique thrift store finds! It did an amazing job! It even solved the wood on wood squeak when I move the heddles! This old gal is looking good as new now! Other than that one missing piece I need to order (a replacement reed). And a bit of help from my woodcrafter friend to install the reed…
Doesn’t she look beautiful now? Now to go order that missing piece! I can’t wait to start weaving! Maybe I will make Conestoga Chuck and lil bit a nice woven doggie bed for when we travel 🙂
Conestoga Chuck 